[RPM] What Paths Cover Abstract/Metaphysical/Fanciful "Energies" (i.e. Life Energy)

[Klark]

If a RPM mage wanted to manipulate "life energy" like the classic life/youth-stealing necromancer, what Path would they use?

Energy appears to be the obvious choice, but it seems to be geared towards actual energies like thermal, sonic, kinetic, etc. I'm not sure if something abstract and not-actually-an-energy falls under that. Body seems focused on the physical body; it can't affect the mind or soul, so I'm guessing life energy is out too. As a mysterious force that permeates all living things, maybe it falls under Magic? Path of Undead is all about perverting life and nature, so you could argue any direct manipulation of life energy, whether it goes into a corpse or not, would use that Path.

[Christopher R. Rice]

Originally Posted by Klark

If a RPM mage wanted to manipulate "life energy" like the classic life/youth-stealing necromancer, what Path would they use?

Energy appears to be the obvious choice, but it seems to be geared towards actual energies like thermal, sonic, kinetic, etc. I'm not sure if something abstract and not-actually-an-energy falls under that. Body seems focused on the physical body; it can't affect the mind or soul, so I'm guessing life energy is out too. As a mysterious force that permeates all living things, maybe it falls under Magic? Path of Undead is all about perverting life and nature, so you could argue any direct manipulation of life energy, whether it goes into a corpse or not, would use that Path.

It depends on the metaphysics of the setting. I personally use Path of Spirit since life energy is just another way of saying "your soul" or "your spirit."

[PK]

I would use Body or Spirit, personally -- but if the concept is important to your setting, you may want to tweak the Paths slightly to produce a Path that covers it explicitly.